Local News

Two of Swale Borough Council’s tennis courts have been refurbished thanks to a partnership between the council and the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association). 

The park tennis courts at Milton Recreation Ground and King George V Playing Fields in Sittingbourne are now open to the public after going through extensive improvement works delivered by the LTA through its Park Tennis Project, alongside Swale Borough Council. 

Work to improve the seven courts across the two parks has included resurfacing, new fencing, nets and the installation of gate access technology to make it easier for players to find, book and get on court. 

A full repainting of the courts is scheduled to take place in the spring when the weather allows. Temporary lines have been installed in the meantime so the community can enjoy the new courts, get out, active and socialise.  

The refurbishments are thanks to a £124,578.54 investment by the UK government and LTA Tennis Foundation, and an additional injection of £32,413 from the council.   

The investment forms part of the LTA’s Park Tennis Project, through which thousands of tennis courts across Great Britain are being transformed for the benefit of local communities, as part of a £30million investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation. 

The LTA and Swale Borough Council will work together to offer free tennis sessions providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play. 

This includes weekly free tennis sessions, organised by volunteers, every Saturday and Sunday from 10am, with equipment provided. Local Tennis Leagues will also be setup to give people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.    

Frequent players can purchase season tickets allowing daily access to the courts for £40 per year. Casual users can book a court for £6 per hour. Funds raised will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come. You can book a session online on the LTA website: https://www.lta.org.uk/book   

Cllr Richard Palmer, the Chair of the community committee at Swale Borough Council, told SFM News: "We are excited to announce that these newly refurbished courts have reopened after being given a much needed new lease on life.  An active community is a healthier and happier one, and the more opportunities we can provide, for people of all ages, the better. That is why it is important that we offer the free sessions on the weekend, so everyone can have access to these wonderful courts, get active and socialise without the need for any equipment. While the new fees will allow the courts to be maintained to this new high standard making sure they are available to the community for years to come. We can’t wait to see the courts full and busy once again, it is amazing to see unplayable local facilities transformed into something we can all be proud of.”   

Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, told SFM News; "After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Swale officially back open to the public, and in better shape than ever. Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.” 

A prolific shop thief has been jailed just two days after he violently assaulted a member of staff in Sittingbourne earlier this week.

Jack Wiley attacked an employee at the Co-op covenience store in Murston after he was caught stealing alcohol and food.

Wiley, 28, entered the Church Road premises at around 3pm on Monday (22nd January) before walking out with bottles of lager and wine, as well as a sandwich. He was followed outside by a member of staff and Wiley responded by challenging him to try and retrieve the stolen items. When the victim successfully snatched back the wine, Wiley started punching him repeatedly in the head. 

The assault continued, even after a member of public intervened to help try and restrain Wiley. He chased the victim back into the shop and after dragging him to the floor punched and kicked him before fleeing on foot. Officers attended and Wiley, of Whiting Crescent, Faversham was quickly located and arrested following a search of the nearby area.

He was charged with assault by beating and two counts of theft. The charges included a previous shoplifting offence on Friday 15th December 2023, when he stole cleaning products from a Poundland, in Faversham.

Earlier today (Wednesday 24th January), Wiley was remanded to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty. He was immediately sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, with an additional seven days added for breaching a previous suspended sentence. Wiley was ordered to pay £200 in compensation as well as £85 costs.

Inspector Barry Carr, of the Swale Victim Based Crime Team,told SFM News: "Prolific criminals like Wiley relentlessly target retailers with the sole intention of stealing high value items to either consume or sell. Shoplifting is never a victimless crime and it can have a drastic effect on businesses, and there will be no let-up in our efforts to swiftly arrest and prosecute those who see stealing as part of a criminal lifestyle."

A prolific local shoplifter has been returned to jail after pleading guilty to several thefts.

Lisa Willet was serving a suspended prison sentence when she chose to commit further shoplifting offences in Sittingbourne.

On Monday 1st January 2024, she stole laundry products from a store in Gadby Road. Willet returned to the same business a fortnight later where she left without paying for a can of drink. She stole further laundry items from Morrisons in Milton High Street on Sunday 7 January. Two days later Willet took a large quantity of steaks and meat joints from Aldi in East Street without attempting to pay.

Officers were called to Lidl in West Street on Wednesday 17th January, where she had been detained by staff after attempting to steal a number of joints of beef. Willet, of Frederick Street, Sittingbourne was arrested and later charged by investigators from the Swale Victim Based Crime Team with five thefts.

The 44-year-old appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday (19th January) and pleaded guilty. She was immediately sentenced to 260 days' imprisonment which included the activation of her suspended sentence.

Inspector Vanessa Foster, of the Swale Community Safety Unit, told SFM News: "Our investigators have ensured another thief who targets our local shops has been charged and sent to prison. We will also be applying to the court for a strict criminal behaviour order banning her from entering a number of businesses when she is released."

Flood alert area: coastal areas of the Isle of Sheppey and along the North Kent Coast from Kemsley to Seasalter, including Sheerness, Minster, Queenborough, Leysdown on Sea, Sittingbourne and Faversham.